Our Mission Adventure

Our official picture sent to Salt Lake along with our mission papers. There were so many forms to fill out, and so many medical forms that we needed information for it seemed like forever before we had finally got them all together and sent. A word to those who are planning to go on a mission: Start NOW getting your COMPLETE medical records. If you haven't seen a doctor in a while, I suggest you start by getting a complete physical, make sure ALL your shots are up to date, and be sure to see your dentist as well. You will need a complete dental check-up including x-rays and the like. Actually the dental was for us the easiest part, since we had Stan Madsen who already knows what is needed (because he has done many).

Kathy and I standing on the roof of the Conference Center in Salt Lake, with the Salt Lake Temple in the background. Cold outside, but it was a beautiful day. This was the day before we entered the MTC.

This was our morning instructor, Brother Barney. All the instructors are returned missionaries. They are able to teach for 3 years after they return, and they know their stuff! In addition to teaching, they also are attending BYU, so this is a great training ground for them.

And this is Sister Arce. Really an upbeat, and great instructor. We were so fortunate to have her in the afternoon. It was fun to do the role playing as well with the members of the Church who volunteer to be "investigators". They play the part so well!

Kathy and I inside the Conference Center in downtown Salt Lake. I don't like that shirt. Probably won't wear it again. Looks like a t-shirt, but it is really a pull-over knit shirt.

These are some of the Senior Couple Missionaries we were blessed to be with at the MTC. There were 66 of us total. Not all of them were present when this picture was taken.

Ok, it was cold, and snowy at the MTC, but we sure loved the experience!

This is the place! North Little Rock Stake building houses the Arkansas Little Rock Mission.

Alright, this photo is of our first home at 500 Apache Dr, Horseshoe Bend, Arkansas. It wasn't a very good place to live, and had lots of problems. The furniture was covered for protection, but was so cheap, you couldn't sit on the couch or love seat without falling through, and the cushions scooting out from under you! We started looking for a better place as soon as we took residence of this one. Rental property is very hard to come by. In addition the bathroom floor was not level (as the floor, and tub were sinking). The realty didn't spend one nickel fixing anything the entire time we were there, even though they promised the repairman was coming "this week". This week never came. I liked the area, but the home just wouldn't do. Guess you can say I am spoiled. We lived here for almost 6 months. As you can see the trees were still in their "winter" dress. This is near a mountain golf course called Turkey Mountain. Actually this house was supposed to be a weekend rental, but it really doesn't even hold up in that category.

One nice thing I got was a picture of the "Super Moon" which was very pronounced in the sky in Arkansas. Took some adjustments to the settings on my camera to get this shot, but it turned out pretty good for an amateur photographer (no bragging rights here).

Our San Juan home. Moved into it on Aug 1st, 2012. This home is very nice, with lovely wooden floors, a fire place, soft water, central air via heat pump, 4 bedrooms and 3 1/2 baths. It has a unique walkout basement as it was designed by sitting on the side of a hill (the left side of the home per this view). It is 2700 sq ft, and is located on 3 lots. We are surrounded by forest on all sides, and there are no neighbors that we can hear or see. the lake is across the street about 2 tenths of a mile through the forest, so you can't see it from the house.

As you can see, the front of the home doesn't appear to be very big, but it is very deceiving. We like the interior design, which consists of a living room, dining room, and kitchen as one, which appears quite roomy on the ground floor. We do not intend to use the basement/downstairs because we do not have the furnishing, nor do we like the arrangement. Besides it stinks down there with a musty smell, as all the plumbing devices (hot water heater, soft water conditioner, and air conditioner condensate drain in the floor) add to the mustiness. In addition the carpet is a commercial grade, not really inviting.

Moving in. No furniture as of yet. Just some boxes, and a dinette set offered by the Child family.



Looking at the fireplace in the living room. I think that might come in handy this winter. I don't think that they have "no burn" days like we do in Gilbert due to pollution in the air. We can breathe here!

Finally got some furniture, and even though it was used, it was a far cry better than the 500 Apache home we previously had lived in (for the past 5 1/2 months).

Looking out in the back yard at the forest. Yes it is a very dense forest, and difficult to get through. The animals do find a way through anyway.

When you come around the corner on San Juan Drive, you are looking down on the home, because there is a rise behind us. All you see is the roof at the top of the hill.